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The really fascinating thing about the "Hunger Games" franchise — both the books written by Suzanne Collins and the film series that kicked off in 2012 — is that the world can keep expanding further and further without feeling like a cheap cash grab. What I mean by this is that whenever Collins pens a prequel about an early iteration of the titular Games, in which children from the 12 districts of Panem (a reconfigured North America) are chosen in pairs to fight for the death at the behest of the powerful Capital, it doesn't feel like an unnecessary addition to the mythology. Instead, readers — and, eventually, filmgoers — get to learn more about every (disturbing) facet of Panem and its rich history.

In March of 2025, Collins released "Sunrise on the Reaping," a long-awaited prequel to her original "Hunger Games" trilogy that centers around Haymitch Abernathy, a rare...

Based on Suzanne Collins’ highly popular book series of the same name, “The Hunger Games” is a fine introduction to the cruel world of Panem. An Olympic-like competition where adolescent children fight to the death to become a lone victor, the “Hunger Games” is brutal and full of twists. Alliances are formed, betrayals come hand in hand, and love blossoms. Directed by Gary Ross, the first film adapts the first novel of Collins’ series brilliantly and introduces us to Jennifer Lawrence’s beloved Katniss Everdeen.

Let us delve into the details of the film that started it all.

The Hunger Games (2012) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis

The nation of Panem is ruled by the Capitol, which is a ruthless monument of autocracy. The usual troubles of an autocracy plague the good people of Capitol too. It leads to the rebellion of the working class. But fortunately for the Capitol, the rebellion was not successful.

The next Hunger Games movie is further expanding its ensemble. Deadline reports that Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons is the latest to join The Hunger Games: The Sunrise On The Reaping in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, who was first played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This comes not long after it was announced that McKenna Grace had been tapped for the role of Maysilee Donner, the original owner of the Mockingjay pin. Lionsgate also kicked off the week with the news that Joseph Zada would star as a young Haymitch Abernathy in the film, a role which belonged to Woody Harrelson in the Jennifer Lawrence-led movies. Whitney Peak, best known for her role in Molly’s Game and Home Before Dark, will also star in the film as Lenore Dove Baird. Sunrise on the Reaping has been set for release on November 20, 2026.

Jesse Plemons earned an Oscar nomination for...

The entertainment industry is always changing, but one way it's stayed the same throughout the years is with moviegoers complaining about casting choices. Even before we had Twitter or Facebook as outlets for our anger, actors were receiving backlash for taking on roles that were deemed unfitting, miscast, or seemingly impossible for them to play. Bu time and time again, undeniably great actors prove critics and detractors wrong.

Take, for instance, the recently-confirmed John, Paul, George, and Ringo in Sam Mendes' four-part Beatles biopic, hitting theaters in spring 2028. The decision to cast several "white boys of the month" like Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn as the iconic musicians has some skeptics questioning if they'll be able to pull it off. For now, movie lovers will have to wait three years to see if that decision pays off, but in the meantime, let's take a look back at some casting choices from the past that,...

Penny Marshall's 1988 comedy smash-hit "Big" had a fun, fantastical premise. A 12-year-old boy named Josh (David Moscow) is tired of being treated like a kid, feeling that the world condescends to people of his age group all too often. Despondent, Josh visits a carnival and finds a coin-operated fortune-teller/wish-granting machine called Zoltar. He inserts his money and wishes to be "big," only to awaken the morning after in the body of Tom Hanks, who was 32 at the time. Suddenly 20 years older, Josh flees his panicked mother (Mercedes Ruehl), who doesn't recognize him, and is forced to enter the adult work force to survive. The only person who knows his secret is his best friend Billy (Jared Rushton).

"Big" was a tour de force from everyone involved in its making and went on to be nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor (for Hanks) and Best Original Screenplay...

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping may have found its Coriolanus Snow in Ralph Fiennes. Having established a career out of playing iconic characters, he's now a frontrunner to play The Hunger Games villain.

Ralph Fiennes is reportedly in talks to play Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.Daniel Richtman dropped the scoop on X (per The Hollywood Handle), prompting fans to heavily debate the casting. Following The Hunger Games' prequel announcement, Fiennes joined the top picks for the part in fan castings, along with Joel Edgerton, Daniel Craig, and Hugo Weaving. Fiennes' impressive career includes villain roles in Schindler's List, the Harry Potter films, and Red Dragon; while that's ample endorsement of Fiennes as Snow, some fans thought Keifer Sutherland was better-suited for the role.

Ralph Fiennes is reportedly in talks to play Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping.’(Via: @DanielRPK) pic.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is bringing back one of the key voices that launched the film franchise. With "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" having now hit bookshelves and quickly become a hit, selling 1.5 million copies in one week, fans are eagerly awaiting the book's adaptation. The story is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games and follows Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson in the four original films, during his tenure competing in the life-or-death games.

As announced at CinemaCon, screenwriter Billy Ray is set to pen the script for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (via Discussing Film). Ray co-wrote the screenplay for 2012's The Hunger Games alongside the film's director, Gary Ross, and the book's author, Suzanne Collins. Ray's other screenwriting credits include Captain Phillips, Gemini Man, Richard Jewell, and Terminator: Dark Fate.

Director Francis Lawrence has helmed every Hunger Games...

Billy Ray is back in business on The Hunger Games.

The Oscar-nominated scribe, who put pen to paper on the blockbuster that started it all back in 2012, has been tapped to write the screenplay for the next installment of franchise by adapting Suzanne Collins’ newest bestseller The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

The news got a big reveal from the Colosseum stage inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas during Lionsgate’s studio presentation on Tuesday morning. As previously reported, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and it already has a worldwide release date set for Nov. 20, 2026. Also during its CinemaCon presentation, Lionsgate unveiled the animated logo for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Lawrence appeared on stage and said the book is “probably my favorite” in the blockbuster series as it marks an epic story with a “jaw-dropping twist.” He confirmed...

Actor Josh Hutcherson rose to prominence after he starred as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games franchise opposite Jennifer Lawrence. The actor was highly appreciated for his work in the franchise and even earned three MTV Movie Awards and the People’s Choice Award. Hutcherson was challenged to play Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 & 2 as his character goes through a significant personality change.

Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Credits: Lionsgate Studios

Over the years he has appeared in projects including Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Red Dawn, The Disaster Artist, Burn, and others. But it is Peeta Mellark that fans always go back to, and recently the actor shared his idea about what could be the sequel.

The Hunger Games actor Josh Hutcherson is ready to play Peeta Mellark again

Actor Josh Hutcherson, who will be seen in a supernatural horror film,...

The Civil War was an extremely divisive time in American history that split the North and South into the Union and the Confederacy, resulting in almost four years of war within the country. Almost 200 years later, slavery and the Civil War are still the subject of many Hollywood-produced films, many of which have been successful.

In the context of films about the Civil War, however, historical accuracy and the success of a film are two different factors. Often, the most successful films lack a great amount of truth to them, such as 12 Years a Slave. Over the years, there has been no shortage of films that have completely ignored historical accuracy for the sake of a more engaging narrative.

The Birth of a Nation Has Been Used For Despicable Propaganda

Directed by D.W. Griffith, when The Birth of a Nation was released in 1915, the storyline portrayed in The Birth...

David Leitch could soon be sailing into the Ocean's franchise waters; the fan-favorite action director is reportedly in early talks to helm Ocean's 14. The upcoming feature will mark the first of the franchise films starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney that Steven Soderbergh will not direct. Clooney will also be involved in Ocean's 14, reprising his role as Danny Ocean and serving as a producer.

It's an exciting development for fans of Leitch's work and the series itself, given his previous work directing mega-action flicks like John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. That last one was a particularly personal one for the director, given his time working as a stuntman (often with Pitt) before becoming a director. He also directed the raucous Bullet Train, which starred Pitt as the unlucky assassin Ladybug. Pitt, though not officially confirmed, is expected...

David Leitch — the stuntman turned director behind John Wick and The Fall Guy — is in talks to direct a new Ocean’s movie, a knowledgeable source confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

TheInSneider was the first to report the news.

The latest film in the heist movie franchise is expected to see the return of George Clooney as Danny Ocean, with Clooney’s Smokehouse banner behind the Warner Bros. project. Brad Pitt, who worked with his former stunt double Leitch on Bullet Train, is also expected to return. The ensemble also includes Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.

All of the Ocean’s movies star a group of criminals pulling off increasingly daring heists. Ocean’s 13, the most recent to star Pitt and Clooney, came out in 2007. The three films in the franchise grossed over $420 million at the domestic box office. A female-fronted spinoff, Ocean’s 8, arrived in 2018.

The latest Ocean’s...

The InSneider has reported that David Leitch is in early talks to direct Ocean’s 14, the latest installment of the heist franchise featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt alongside an all-star ensemble. It was previously reported that Conclave director Edward Berger was being courted to develop the film, but it appears that didn’t work out.

George Clooney actually teased another Ocean’s project in 2023, saying, “We have a really good script for another Ocean’s now, so we may end up doing another one. It’s actually a great script.” The actor wouldn’t spill any other details, only to say that “the idea is kind of Going in Style.” The film Clooney refers to is a 1979 heist comedy starring George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg as three friends who decide to rob a bank. The film was remade in 2017 by Zach Braff, with Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin,...

The Western genre is one of the most iconic in the history of cinema and includes a few unique subgenres. While there might not be as many Westerns made today as there were in the genre’s golden age from the 1930s to the 1960s, the best Westerns have left their unmistakable mark on pop culture. Its tropes, esthetics, and stories have been reworked times and times again both within the Western genre and outside, and several other genres have found their way within Western proper.

Among the many subgenres of Western into which the genre can be categorized, there’s one that is well known for producing sweeping epics that have tugged at the heartstrings of several generations—and that is the Western war movie. Usually set in a Western-like time and place and featuring a major conflict that shapes the lives of their characters, Western war movies are...

The inspiring sports drama Seabiscuit, starring Spider-Man's Tobey Maguire, is making its way to streaming.

Starting January 1, 2025, Paramount+ subscribers can experience this critically acclaimed film that tells the true story of an underdog racehorse that became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Directed by Gary Ross, who previously directed Maguire in Pleasantville, Seabiscuit is a poignant tale of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork, brought to life by a stellar cast and sweeping cinematography.

Related Andrew Garfield Expertly Avoids Confirming Spider-Man Reunion With Tobey Maguire & Tom Holland

With Spider-Man 4 officially confirmed, everyone wants to know if the MCU will bring back Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire.

Critical Acclaim and Award Nominations

Seabiscuit received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2003, praised for its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances. The film earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. Critics lauded the film for...

The Ocean’s franchise featured some iconic actors in the high-stakes heist series but there were some who rejected the roles. Fans might not know, but Johnny Depp and Mark Wahlberg were approached for the first film which they unfortunately turned down.

However, the most shocking revelation came when George Clooney confessed that Bruce Willis was offered his role in Ocean’s Eleven opposite Julia Roberts. The Die Hard actor later featured in a cameo for the second film but Clooney claimed Willis always regretted turning down the opportunity to play the iconic Danny Ocean.

The confession: Bruce Willis as the heist mastermind? Julia Roberts and George Clooney in Ocean’s Eleven | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Many actors rejected roles from movies which later went on to develop into successful franchises, making them regret their hasty decisions. Something similar happened with Steven Soderbergh‘s Ocean’s Eleven which was rejected by a number of known Hollywood actors.

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My Old Ass is a coming-of-age sci-fi comedy-drama film written and directed by Megan Park. The Prime Video film follows Elliott, an 18-year-old who takes mushrooms on her birthday and comes face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old. Soon, she is contacted by her older self who gives her life advice which makes Elliott forces to rethink everything from family to love. My Old Ass stars Maisy Stella, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, and Aubrey Plaza. So, if you loved the coming-of-age drama, comedic tone, and compelling characters in My Old Ass here are some similar movies you should check out next.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Prime Video) Credit – Amazon Studios

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a sci-fi romantic comedy-drama film directed by Ian Samuels from a screenplay by Lev Grossman. Based on Grossman...

Presidents are typically chosen by an election, not by their physical features. That's true in most cases, but not in the 1993 film Dave, which depicts a hilarious attempt to hide a president's stroke by hiring an impersonator who looks so similar that he can pass as the president. Directed by comedy legend Ivan Reitman, Dave depicts government work humorously but also with care and detail.

The movie stars Kevin Kline, a few years after his Oscar win, as the titular Dave, as well as President Mitchell, the man Dave impersonates. Sigourney Weaver stars opposite Kline as President Mitchell's wife, Ellen Mitchell, who has a troubled relationship with her husband but warms up to Dave's kind heart. In addition to those two stars, Dave features a number of cameos from real-life government workers as part of the film's commitment to detail.

Dave PG-13

Where to Watchstreamrentbuy

*Availability in US Release Date...

Sarah Paulsonhas forged a career that seems perpetually on the rise, with her starring in many popular films and TV series in recent years. She is known for playing complex and morally questionable characters with a unique brand of intensity. She frequently works with the same collaborators, such as creator and director Ryan Murphy, and projects of similar genres, such as shows like American Horror Story and American Crime Story. This allows her to flesh out a role and foster chemistry on and off-screen that can't be ignored.

Paulson's acting style shows her to fully immerse herself in the characters; she has gained critical acclaim for many varied and unique roles. From her portrayal of Marcia Clark in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story to her disturbing maternal presence in Run, she creates a presence that is truly enamoring and genuine. Whether playing the lead in...

Throughout the history of Hollywood, we’ve often noticed how heists have typically been considered a domain of suave men in sharp suits. However, director Gary Ross decided like a true feminist that it was high time to shake things up, and feature women in some kickass roles. Enter Jennifer Lawrence’s The Hunger Games, which not only dominated the box office but also paved the way for Ross’ dream.

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games (2012) | image: Lionsgate

Following the unprecedented success of Jennifer Lawrence’s 2012 movie and people’s appreciation towards the hardcore female lead, Gary Ross realized it was the right time to capitalize on the particular theme. That’s when Sandra Bullock’s Ocean’s 8 emerged from this revolutionary moment, featuring a team of fierce women who not only stole the show but also a few diamonds while they were at it.

Jennifer Lawrence’s The Hunger Games...

According to a real-life former double agent, Red Sparrow starring Jennifer Lawrence features an "appropriate" depiction of one espionage tactic. Released in 2018, Red Sparrow is directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a 2013 novel of the same name by author Jason Matthews. The Cold War spy thriller features Lawrence as Dominika Egorova, a former ballerina who joins an elite Soviet team of "Sparrows," operators trained to use seduction to achieve their espionage goals.

In a recent video for Insider, former double agent Naveed Jamali analyzes a sequence in Red Sparrow in which Lawrence's character is deep undercover organizing criminal deal. According to Jamali, the film gets a lot right when it comes to espionage, including the challenges of seemingly straightforward tasks like assigning prices to illicit items as a spy. Dominka's swapping of sensitive information is also deemed "plausible," though Jamali stresses just how high risk it would be. Check out his comments below,...

Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, the Invisible Man – Universal has brought them all back to the screen in the decades since their glory days in the 1930s and ’40s. But one classic Universal monster who hasn’t had a new movie since the 1950s is the Creature from the Black Lagoon, a.k.a. the Gill Man. The closest we’ve gotten is the unofficial version of the creature that was seen in the 1987 classic The Monster Squad… but last month, it was reported that genre regular James Wan and his production company Atomic Monster are developing “a grounded modernized retelling” of Creature from the Black Lagoon that will lean into “visceral horror while paying respect to the original classic.” Now, Deadline has learned that this Creature from the Black Lagoon reboot will be written by Sean Tretta.

Wan is expected to direct the film and will be producing,...

Heist movies always hit the right spot and you can’t deny that Gary Ross’ Ocean’s 8 was an entertaining addition to the genre. Starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett as well as 6 other gorgeous women, the film is an addition to the Ocean’s series that is loved by all. While it focuses on the women executing a heist at the annual Met Gala, actor Matt Damon was also supposed to play a part in the film.

Ocean’s 8 (2018) | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

After Matt Damon made controversial comments about Hollywood’s s-xual harassment scandal relating to Harvey Weinstein, fans of the film series took it upon themselves to have him removed from Ocean’s 8. While he was eventually cut from the movie, director Gary Ross swears that the fans’ wrath wasn’t the reason.

What Did Matt Damon Say That Had Fans All Riled Up? Matt Damon in Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) | Credits: Warner Bros.

The Western genre has captured the hearts and minds of audiences for many decades. The tales of cowboys embarking on an adventure in rugged landscapes full of lawlessness and gun smoke have become some of the most endearing movies ever made. Many Westerns, such as Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy, are entirely fictional, many are actually based on real-life events and experiences, adding a greater sense of realism to the movies.

These movies draw on the real-life experiences of historical figures, whether they are outlaws, revolutionaries, or Native Americans, providing audiences with a greater sense of the historical context at the time. By blending fact with just the right amount of dramatization, these Westerns offer a more authentic glimpse into different time periods, whether that's the Texan Revolution or a more contemporary tale of bank robberies. From feuding families to a survivalist epic, these Westerns have left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Ocean's franchise is finally returning with the recently announced sequel Ocean's Fourteen, and here are 10 characters from the series who need to return in the upcoming legacy sequel. The ensemble nature of the Ocean's franchise means that all kinds of major stars have appeared in the various movies, with each entry having a massive cast. However, since it has been several years since the last mainline Ocean's movie, it may be hard to get everyone back. Despite this, these 10 actors really need to return in Ocean's Fourteen.

Ocean's Fourteen has finally been confirmed, meaning that the beloved heist franchise will be making its return to the franchise. The original Ocean's trilogy stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, both of whom are reportedly in talks to return for the upcoming sequel. All Quiet on the Western Front director Edward Berger is also being eyed to helm the project,...

The long-awaited Ocean's 14 is gaining momentum but appears to be moving forward without original franchise director Steven Soderbergh. George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two of the most integral original stars of Ocean's Eleven, are currently in talks to reprise their iconic roles that would extend their celebrated Ocean's trilogy. While at one point it appeared that Ocean's 14 would never happen, Pitt and Clooney have recently joined forces once again in the Apple crime thriller Wolfs, which is currently set for a September 27, 2024 release date. Apple has already greenlit a Wolfs sequel, indicating that Pitt and Clooney are getting back in their franchise-sharing saddle.

The Ocean's franchise had already attempted to be rebooted with Ocean's Eight, which theoretically would have worked its way up to Ocean's Nine and Ocean's Ten but has had little movement since releasing in 2018. With Casey Affleck and Matt Damon also recently teaming...

Don Cheadle said fans show no mercy in dissing the second installment of the “Ocean’s” film franchise, “Ocean’s Twelve,” adding that the entire cast has discussed the criticisms.

“People love to walk up to me and openly bash ‘Ocean’s Twelve,'” Cheadle told Seth Meyers during a guest appearance on “Late Night” Thursday. “Can you imagine? It’s like you’re just walking with strangers, like, ‘Your belt sucks, dude!’ Like, ‘Thank you?'”

When Meyers asked if Cheadle’s fellow costars endure the same criticism from fans, Cheadle said they do — in fact, they discuss fans’ hatred of the film and have shared about having the same run-ins.

“I mean, we talk about it,” Cheadle replied. “Yeah, we talk about it. It’s, it’s a thing, and it’s such a contrast to the experience. We had so much fun. We were all in Italy together and...

Is it safe to go back to the ocean? The slick, turn-of-the-millenium “Ocean’s” caper franchise still looks like it has some life in it. There’s talk of an “Ocean’s Fourteen” making the rounds, with the core of the original cast involved.

Apple TV+ is just a few weeks away from debuting their starriest movie yet, “Wolfs,” a crime comedy starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt directed by “Spider-Man” maestro Jon Watts. Rumors that the two A-listers are also prepping “Ocean’s Fourteen” either deadens the impact of this reunion or gasses it up even further depending on your point of view. If “Wolfs” wasn’t a blast for them, you might think, there’s no way they wouldn’t want it.

The 2001 “Ocean’s Eleven,” a remake of the Rat Pack-starring “Ocean’s 11,” and its two sequels were directed by Stephen Soderbergh, but early reports show...

The next installment of the caper movie franchise that began with Ocean's Eleven is reportedly moving forward. While it's expected that multiple stars will return for Ocean's Fourteen, the sequel will have a new director at the helm.

Per Deadline, progress is moving forward on Ocean's Fourteen, though the project is still said to be in its early stages. According to a new report, George Clooney and Brad Pitt are both on board to return to reprise their roles from the franchise, though it's not yet clear if they'll be joined by other familiar faces. However, one big change is that Steven Soderbergh won't be directing the next movie. After Soderberg helmed Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, and Ocean's Thirteen, the reported plan for the next movie is for Edward Berger to direct.

Related 'It's a Bummer': George Clooney Addresses the Rise of Streaming After New Film Loses Theatrical Run...

This September, Paramount+ is bringing you a ton of entertainment with the highly anticipated new season of the crime drama series Tulsa King starring Sylvester Stallone and the horrifying psychological thriller film Apartment 7A. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Paramount+ this month and have a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the 5 best films coming to Paramount+ in September 2024 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Big (September 1)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Big is a fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall from a screenplay co-written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg. The 1988 film revolves around Josh Baskin, a young boy who wishes to get bigger in size to a fortune-telling machine, and when the next day he wakes up he discovers that his wish has been fulfilled. Big stars Tom Hanks in the lead role with David Moscow,...

Ocean's Eleven movies have a star-studded history over five decades, all revolving around charming thief Danny Ocean and his loyal crew. The films rely on charm, style, and cool, with varying levels of fun and enjoyment across the franchise sequels and spinoffs. The future of the Ocean's movies could feature a potential prequel series starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, keeping the heist legacy alive.

Including the original 1960 film, there are five Ocean's Eleven movies spanning almost five decades. Most people are familiar with Steven Soderbergh's 2001 remake of the original Ocean's Eleven movie. This reboot starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and more in what turned into a star-studded affair. It became a beloved blockbuster and spawned two sequels directed by Soderbergh and an all-female spinoff directed by Gary Ross. Other than the 2018 spinoff, Ocean's Eleven revolves around a charming and skilled thief, Danny Ocean,...

Given his experience bringing horror franchises to screens and his time spent on watery adventures with the Aquaman films, it feels somehow natural that James Wan would consider jumping aboard a modernized version of The Creature From The Black Lagoon. So word that he's in early talks for exactly that is not truly surprising.

The 1954 original, directed by Jack Arnold, leaned into the 3D technique to tell the story of the Gill-Man, a prehistoric human-fish hybrid monster who lived in the water and the ichthyologist – played by Julie Adams – who catches his eye.

Various updates have been attempted through the years, including by John Landis, Ivan Reitman, Gary Ross (son of the original film's scriptwriter Arthur A. Ross) and Breck Eisner, but all sank into the development more. An effort to include the Creature in Universal's Dark Universe shared cinematic concept got as far as Will Beall writing the script.

Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, the Invisible Man – Universal has brought them all back to the screen in the decades since their glory days in the 1930s and ’40s. But one classic Universal monster who hasn’t had a new movie since the 1950s is the Creature from the Black Lagoon, a.k.a. the Gill Man. The closest we’ve gotten is the unofficial version of the creature that was seen in the 1987 classic The Monster Squad. But now Deadline reports that genre regular James Wan and his production company Atomic Monster are developing “a grounded modernized retelling” of Creature from the Black Lagoon that will lean into “visceral horror while paying respect to the original classic.”

Wan is expected to direct the film and will be producing, with Atomic Monster’s Michael Clear and Judson Scott serving as executive producers. EVP of Production Development...

Will horror B-movie audiences finally get the remake they’ve been waiting on for decades? Universal is again looking to remake the 1954 monster movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” and this time they’re looking to the “Aquaman” director James Wan — someone who knows a thing or two about underwater battles and gill-men — to develop his own modern take, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire.

Wan may direct too and is in early talks to tack on that responsibility. If he does, it would be his first project behind the director’s chair since merging his production company Atomic Monster with Blumhouse Productions.

Wan’s take, according to the individual, will be a grounded, modernized retelling, leaning into “visceral horror,” but it will still pay respect to the original. No screenwriter or talent is attached just yet. Atomic Monster will produce the film, with Wan as a producer.

The Creature From the Black Lagoon is rising once again.

James Wan, the creator of the Saw and The Conjuring horror franchises, is developing a new take on the classic Universal monster property and is in early talks to direct the feature project.

The move comes as Wan and his collaborators presented Universal with a pitch to remake the 1954 monster classic. A writer will now be hired to write a script, working in concert with Wan.

This is the first project Wan has attached himself to as a director following his company’s production banner, Atomic Monster, merging with Blumhouse. Wan was under water for the last few years on DC superhero movie Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and has been looking to get back to his horror roots in some way.

Wan will act as a producer on Creature, while Atomic Monster’s Michael Clear and Judson Scott serve as executive producers.

A sequel to 2007's Ocean's Thirteen may be on its way, as George Clooney has confirmed the existence of a script for another installment. The 2007 ensemble comedy, which followed 2001's Ocean's 11 and 2004's Ocean's 12, included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garca, Don Cheadle, Ellen Barkin, the late Bernie Mac, Al Pacino, and Casey Affleck. Now, two of those stars are sharing what they know about a possible return to the Ocean's franchise.

During a recent conversation with Screen Rant while promoting Apple TV+'s The Instigators, Damon and Affleck, who portrayed Linus Caldwell and Virgil Malloy, respectively, in the heist comedies, revealed they weren't in the loop regarding the future of the Ocean's franchise. After Affleck joked that "you know more than I do," Damon added:

"Yeah. [Laughs] I guess it'll be up to if we can get the whole group together and get a good script.

Ocean's Twelve took a risk by being different from its predecessor, exploring new locations and showing the crew's failures. Critics and audiences were not impressed with Ocean's Twelve initially, but it may hold up better in the age of meta humor. The sequel's meta references and comedic elements may be more appreciated now, as it took a unique direction not seen in the first film.

While there have been exceptions, it is very rare that a movie sequel is ever just as good, if not better, than the original. Looking back, 2004 was a year for great sequels, with such films as Shrek 2, Spider-Man 2, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban reaching massive critical and commercial success, and becoming some of the highest-grossing films of the year. There was also another sequel within the year that ultimately failed to make the same impression on moviegoers as the others had.

The cast of The Hunger Games franchise could’ve looked slightly different.

Austin Butler revealed in a Buzzfeed interview with his Bikeriders co-star Jodie Comer, he revealed that he auditioned for but didn’t get a part in the hit movie series.

“I auditioned for The Hunger Games and I didn’t get it at all,” Butler said adding that he doesn’t even recall getting a “call back.”

He then revealed that he auditioned for the role of Peeta Mellark, the male tribute representing District 12 in the 74th annual Hunger Games, alongside female tribute Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).

He added, “I don’t even think I got a call back; what’s the character, Peeta? Josh Hutcherson got that; he’s great.”

Hutcherson starred alongside Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth throughout the four Hunger Games films, with the films helping the trio become worldwide stars.

For her part, Comer revealed...

Dune: Part Two star Austin Butler was almost part of another major science fiction film series. The actor, who is currently busy promoting his new movie The Bikeriders, recently revealed that he auditioned for the role of Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games.

In an interview with BuzzFeed Celeb, alongside his The Bikeriders co-star Jodie Comer, Butler briefly opened up about the failed audition. "I auditioned for The Hunger Games, and I didn't get it at all. I don't even think I got a callback," he recalled. "What's the character? Peeta? Yeah, Josh Hutcherson got that. He's great." Hutcherson starred as Peeta in all four of the original Hunger Games movies, which were released between 2012 and 2015.

Related The Bikeriders Director Says One Star 'Wasn't Allowed' Near a Motorcycle

Jeff Nichols reveals which actor didn't learn how to drive a motorcycle for his new film, The Bikeriders.

Based on Suzanne Collins' novels,...

Donald Sutherland’s film career is filled with some of the most incredible works of our time, spanning from dramas to conspiracy thrillers to even dystopian YA fiction like The Hunger Games. Sutherland landed the role of President Snow in quite a peculiar manner, which he detailed in an interview with GQ.

Donald Sutherland in The Hunger Games | Color Force

President Snow was the nefarious leader of Panem in The Hunger Games, one who popularized the Hunger Games in the Capital. The character was not offered to Sutherland, nor did he audition for the role, but Sutherland was sure that he could do the role justice, and that he would be the perfect President Snow for the film.

Donald Sutherland sent a letter to Gary Ross

Donald Sutherland in The Hunger Games || Lionsgate

Gary Ross was the director responsible for the first Hunger Games film and was also the creative...

Donald Sutherland was a versatile Hollywood actor who excelled in varied roles for over half a century. Sutherland's legendary career included two Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, and 200 film credits. Sutherland's unique approach to landing the role of President Snow in The Hunger Games showcased his passion and dedication.

The entertainment world suffered a massive blow with the passing of revered Hollywood actor Donald Sutherland on June 20, 2024. The iconic screen actor who gave memorable turns in everything from M*A*S*H and Klute to Don't Look Now, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Ordinary People, and many more, was just as adept at playing minor supporting roles as he was in starring lead performances. Whether a small independent feature like Alex in Wonderland or a major Hollywood blockbuster like The Hunger Games, Donald Sutherland made every project better.

On the topic of The Hunger Games, Sutherland uniquely won the role of President Coriolanus Snow,...

The world recently lost one of the greatest actors to ever do it, when Donald Sutherland passed away at the age of 88. A legendary performer with an on-screen career spanning more than half a century, Sutherland brought to life countless characters that could all be considered "his best." Vernon Pinkley in "The Dirty Dozen," John Baxter in "Don't Look Now," Hawkeye Pierce in "M*A*S*H*," Matthew Bennell in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," Mr. Bennet in "Pride & Prejudice," and John Klute in "Klute" would all be career-making roles for any other performer, but for Sutherland, they were just another day at the office. However, there's an argument to be made that his greatest performance came with one of his most recent roles -- one that helped introduce him to a much younger generation. I'm talking, of course, about President Corolanius Snow in "The Hunger Games" series.

President...

Hollywood stars took to social media on Thursday after it was announced that Donald Sutherland died at the age of 88.

Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, CAA’s Missy Davy told The Hollywood Reporter.

The renowned actor had an illustrious six-decade career, starring in varied roles with his breakthrough performances including the 1967 film The Dirty Dozen and Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H. Throughout his career, the actor starred in such films as Klute, Kelly’s Heroes, Don’t Look Now, Ordinary People, 1900, The Hunger Games series and Ad Astra.

In 2017, he received an Honorary Award from the Academy.

Sutherland is survived by his wife, Francine Racette; sons Roeg, Rossif, Angus and Kiefer; daughter, Rachel; and four grandchildren.

Kiefer paid tribute to his late father online, writing, “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of...

Donald Sutherland, whose performances in such films as M*A*S*H, Ordinary People and The Hunger Games proved he could portray sinister, sympathetic, comedic or tragic with equal aplomb, has died. He was 88.

Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, CAA’s Missy Davy told The Hollywood Reporter.

Remarkably, Sutherland was never even nominated for a competitive Oscar, though the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made up for the oversight by giving him an honorary statuette in November 2017 at the Governors Awards.

A prodigious actor who often appeared in three to five films a year, the lanky Canadian-born star displayed great range during his six-decade career. His early characters, like crazed/dazed Pvt. Vernon Pinkley in The Dirty Dozen (1967), anti-Establishment Army medic Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce in M*A*S*H (1970) and hippie tank commander Oddball in Kelly’s Heroes (1970), were rascally mavericks.

With his distinctive baritone and crystal blue eyes,...

At 16, Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games through cunning strategy and tough intelligence, but faced tragic consequences. President Snow punished Haymitch for winning by killing his loved ones, leading him to struggle with Ptsd and alcoholism. The upcoming prequel, "Sunrise on the Reaping," will explore Haymitch's backstory, finally shedding light on his Hunger Games victory.

Ever since Haymitch Abernathy was introduced in the first Hunger Games movie, audiences have wondered how Haymitch won the Hunger Games himself. Haymitch was one of the most polarizing figures to come out of the Hunger Games franchise, and a lot of that stemmed from what fans didn't see. Woody Harrelson portrayed the character in the movies based on the character from Suzanne Collins' YA book trilogy. As the lone District 12 mentor for Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, it was revealed that Haymitch won the annual Hunger Games event when he was just 16 years old.

Lionsgate announces a movie adaptation of the upcoming Hunger Games prequel Sunrise On the Reaping. The movie is set to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026. The movie will be helmed by returning director Francis Lawrence.

The movie adaptation of the new Hunger Games novel Sunrise On the Reaping has received an official release date. The five-movie franchise is based on the young adult novel series of the same name by Suzanne Collins, which incorporates the original trilogy, published between 2008 and 2010, and the 2020 prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The upcoming Sunrise On the Reaping, which is another prequel set during the Fiftieth Hunger Games, is set to be published on March 18, 2025.

On the same day that the book's publication was announced, Lionsgate has announced that they are mounting a film adaptation of Sunrise On the Reaping. The movie is set to premiere on November 20, 2026. It will be helmed by returning director Francis Lawrence,...

Suzanne Collins’s bank account volunteers as tribute!

The creator of the wildly popular “Hunger Games” series has put pen to paper and will release a fifth volume in her dystopian book franchise for young adult readers, as per a report by the Associated Press. “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is expected to hit shelves on March 18, 2025, and will further develop the mythos of the post-apocalyptic fascist government whose society is somehow dependent on teen gladiatorial events.

The 61-year-old writer, whose career began working on Nickelodeon shows like “Clarissa Explains it All,” “The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo,” and “Wow! Wow! Wubzy!” has sold an estimated 100 million copies of her “Hunger Games” novels thus far.

The initial book trilogy was of course adapted into a wildly popular four-part film series starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth, and featured a slew of festively dressed side characters played by Stanley Tucci,...

10 Best Women-Led Heist Movies To Watch, If You Enjoyed Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon And Tabu’s Crew On Netflix(Photo Credit –IMDb)

Who says women cannot pull off a masterfully planned heist? Rajesh A Krishnan’s directed comedy-drama Crew is proof of that. The film, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu as Jasmine, Divya Rana, and Geeta Sethi, was recently released on Netflix after its successful run in theatres. The story revolves around the crew of the bankrupt Kohinoor Airlines, who struggle to make ends meet. The three crewmates Geeta, Jasmine, and Divya are fed up with their endless hustle and decide to get down to the business of gold smuggling to end their misery.

While the three got richer, their other colleagues suffered as their months of salaries were unpaid. Finally, Geeta, Jasmine, and Divya hatch a plan to rob their boss, chairman of Kohinoor Airlines, Vijay Walia...

Boy Kills World is an extremely stylized dystopian action thriller revenge film directed by Moritz Mohr from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers. Based on the story by Remmers and Mohr, the brilliant action film is set in a dystopian film where the Van Der Koy family rules the city. We follow the story of a young boy known only as Boy who is hell-bent on becoming a living breathing weapon to take revenge against the Van Der Koy family. Boy Kills World stars Bill Skarsgård in the lead role with Jessica Rothe, Andrew Koji, Famke Janssen, H. Jon Benjamin, Yayan Ruhian, Cameron Crovetti, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Quinn Copeland, and Sharlto Copley starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the stylized action, dark comedy, and brutal violence in Boy Kills World here are some similar films you could watch next.

Wanted (Tubi & Rent on Prime...

The young adult dystopian sci-fi franchise The Hunger Games was conceived during a time of dark contrasts. While channel-surfing in the mid-2000s, magazine writer-turned-novelist Suzanne Collins saw a game show and war footage. Both featured young people and were juxtaposed in a disturbing manner. Combined with Greek and Roman mythology, particularly the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, The Hunger Games was born and published in 2008.

Collins wrote two more novels, completing the trilogy in 2012 just as the first novel was adapted for the big screen. Directed by Gary Ross and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games film was a hit, culminating in a devoted audience and a cultural phenomenon that would last into the end of the 2010s. It jump-started the now-ubiquitous young adult dystopia subgenre. It even influenced an entire genre movement in literature, film and TV, and inspiring slews of copycats.

Despite this...